TEXT:

‘You are old …. and there remains very much yet to be possessed’ – Joshua 13:1

THOUGHT:

Joshua was getting old, but rather than slow down, God wanted him to accelerate the possessing of the land by the Children of Israel. Retirement at any age can lull us into thinking that’s all we can do, but there are still plenty of opportunities left. We need to ask ourselves the question, “What remains to be done?” concerning:

• Unchurched People

Paul kept going until all Asia had heard the gospel. ¹ I have been surprised at how many people contacted through our door to door evangelism have had no experience of church. Just a handful of us visited the villages of Landrake and Hatt/Botus Fleming prior to holding an evangelistic meeting in each place, calling on nearly 600 homes to give a personal invitation. Although the vast majority remained unresponsive to the gospel, at least many have heard. But there are other surrounding villages to reach out to, plus a large part of Saltash still to call on. It will be the same in your area. There remains much to be done.

• Unfulfilled Promises

‘They shall still bear fruit in old age.’ ² Take this promise by faith saying, “Lord, I believe this will happen to me!’ Caleb certainly did. For 45 years he lived with a promise from God because he had faith and brought a good report, outliving those who died in the wilderness. Now in Canaan, he demands from Joshua what God had promised. ‘Give me this mountain.‘³ Aged 85, he still had strength to fight, not for somewhere easy on the flat ground, but a mountain and that is what he got. An unfulfilled dream finally came to fruition. What promises of God lie unfulfilled? Do not let go of them. There is still time for God to bring them to pass.

• Unfulfilled Practices

Getting older does not preclude us from growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁴ Perhaps you have never prophesied, yet scripture states, ‘You can all prophesy’⁵ and ‘earnestly desire the best gifts.’ ⁶ Wanting to help others through spiritual gifts and to glorify the Lord will not end up as an unanswered prayer. The same is true concerning witnessing; leading someone in a decision for Christ; laying hands on the sick and seeing them healed through the name of Jesus. If you have never done these things, or only infrequently, it’s not too late to correct that. With time on your hands, why not go on a Missions trip, whether home or abroad? You will not come back the same person. The list is endless as to what we can do. Let this challenge you today, “When was the last time you did something for the first time?”

• Unanswered Prayers

Concerning life’s problems and pressures. Zacharias’ reaction when told his wife Elizabeth was going to have a baby clearly reveals he had stopped praying about it. ⁷ But God had not forgotten them! ‘Your prayer is heard,’ said the angel to him. Delays do not necessarily mean denials. Disappointment can be dangerous if we give up on God, thinking He has given up on us. Nothing could be further from the truth! Job refused to let go of God even though everything and everyone turned against him, saying, ‘Though He slay me yet will I trust Him.’ ⁸ He could not get an answer from God at first, and his friends were no help either. The Bible promises, ‘All things work together for good to those who love God.’ ⁹ That is exactly what happened to Job in the end. A problem bigger than you is not bigger than God. So do not let go of God until you see God answer. ‘Wait for it, because it will surely come.’ ¹⁰

Six months of this year have already passed. Summer is upon us. 2016 can still be the best year of your life. Let go and let God! He is ready to respond for there is still much work that needs to be done.

1 – Acts 19:10             2 – Psalm 92:14           3 – Joshua 14:12         4 – 2 Peter 3:18

5 – 1 Corinthians 14:31           6 – 1 Corinthians 12:31           7 – Luke 1:5-25

8 – Job 13:15               9 – Romans 8:28         10 – Habakkuk 2:3